By Wan Eizzul Islam Wan Zulkifli
GOMBAK: With the blessed month of Ramadhan upon us, we have already started early preparations by getting ourselves accustomed to waking up in the early hours of the morning to entertain ourselves with the current FIFA World Cup 2014.
But is that enough? If it were not for the World Cup, would we even be able to get up in the morning to perform our daily Fajr prayers? This is when we have to ask ourselves, which is more important?
Sure, there is nothing wrong to pledge allegiance to one’s favourite football team but have we not also pledged allegiance to our Creator? Should we not be more excited for the bounties and rewards offered to us in the month of Ramadhan rather than finding out who will advance to the finals?
That being said, there are many ways that we, as Muslims living in Malaysia can take advantage of during the World Cup, for example, the broadcast times of the matches are ideal for us to perform our Taraweeh and Fajr prayers.
The broadcast times for World Cup matches in Malaysia either start at 12.00 a.m. (mid-night) or 4.00 a.m. The average duration of a World Cup match is usually two hours. With that in mind, we can allow for ample time after Isha’ to perform Taraweeh prayers as well as praying Fajr straight after the match in the morning.
This is the time where we have to set our priorities straight. There is nothing wrong with supporting and entertaining ourselves with the World Cup, but we must not neglect our religion. To wake up and enjoy a temporary sense of accomplishment achieved by others is one thing, but to wake up and strive for everlasting reward for ourselves and those you love is another thing. The best thing is strive for what’s worth!
Photo courtesy of Exact Target